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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Obama talks frankly about race
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sen. Barack Obama tackled the divisive issue of race and continued to distance himself from controversial comments made by his pastor.
In a speech at the National Constitution Center Tuesday, Obama said the U.S. has been mired in a racial stalement for years.
“But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races,” he said.
You can read more about it here.
The comments about race were among the frankest Obama has made during this campaign.
Obama has come under fire recently for incendiary statements made by his longtime pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., the retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. In previous sermons, Wright has said blacks continue to be mistreated by rich whites and he preaches a very Afrocentric message.
He also said Hillary Clinton has no idea what it’s like to live in a country or culture controlled by white people as Obama has. He said she’s never suffered indignities because of the color of her skin.
Do you think Obama has adequately addressed the issue? Has his handling of the situation and his relationship with Wright influenced your decision to support his candidacy?
